Digital Citizenship Questions (Homework)

1. Do computers give us more human connections or less human connections?

I think that computers allow more connections to humans, but in a way that makes us less human. Technology becomes unnatural beyond a certain amount of use, in spite of the natural reactions it can bring up. Technology is human, in the sense that it is a natural instinct for people to strive harder to reach goals that would not have been possible decades ago. New forms of technology are being created all the time, and younger generations are adapting to them as if they had lived with them their whole lives. Children and teenagers are able to use new and advanced technology because they have been exposed to computers and digital devices pretty much since they were born. I believe that computers can cause addictions. Some technology, like video games or computer games can become additions and obsessions, and although they may set up acquaintances, they can transform a person into, for instance, a more violent being - the cause of fighting, military, or other not-so-peaceful games. Computers do allow friendships to be held over long distances, when they might not be able to otherwise. In short, computers give us more connections, but at a price.

2. If you had to write 5 rules for internet ethics and manners, what would they be?

1) No crude language - no swearing/inappropriate words.

2) No explicit publicity or information/pictures of/about/belonging to others without consent - copyright terms.

3) No extremely violent technology that could promote similar behaviour in reality - that could mislead children to believe things that aren't true.

4) No false claims - advertisements claiming products or programs/websites to be free when they aren't.

5) No personally prejudiced remarks concerning racism, sexism, religiously biased remarks....

3. Do you think teachers should encourage or discourage multitasking in students?

This question is not easy to answer, as I have no knowledge of the learning atmosphere or the students and their learning styles. Some people learn better if they can focus on one task at a time, while others are able to actively work on different thing at the same time. I think that teachers should encourage multitasking to some extent, because in more cases than not, attempting several tasks at once can stretch the boundaries of one's learning, and stretch how much the mind can accomplish.

4. Write a 6 word story summarizing an experience that you've had "living" online.

Peer pressure created by the unknown.